Process of making gelatinous alkaline electrolyte and compositions therefor



HRGE W. SE,'OF BAYSIDE, NEW'YOBK, ASSIGNOR T ONION CARBIDE t& GAR- EON RESEARCH LABORATORIES, INC., A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

FEES OF MAKING- GELA TINOUS ALINE ELECTROLYTE AND COMPOSITIONS THE fie Drawing.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, GEORGE W. Hnrsn, a citizen of the United States, residing at Bfa side, in the county of Queens and State useful Improvements in Processes of Making Gelatinous Alkaline Electrolyte and Compositions Therefor, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to the preparation of elatinous alkaline electrolyte for galvamc cells. The principal object of the invention is to provide a dry composition, comprising alkali and a substance adapted as to g'ela'timze uponaddition of water to the composition, for the preparation of cells of the deferred action type.

It has heretofore been proposed to provide gelatinous alkaline electrolyte'in cells having a zinc anode and a depolarizing copper oxid cathode. Such electrolyte, however, has been made by mixing starch or other gelatinizable material with solutions of caustic alkali. During the period before the 26 cells are put intoservice corrosion of the zinc and other deleterious actions occur, owing to the contact of the gelatinous electrolyte with the electrodes.

' In accordance with the present invention, a0 (1 caustic alkali is incorporated with a ge atinizable substance, preferably by grindmg the two components together until a high degree of subdivision and an intimate, homo eneous admixture is obtained.' The use 0 coarse and non-uniform mixtures is to be avoided. "Slow and incomplete gelatinization and a lumpy product are the usual result of using such mixtures.

A suitable mixture comprises about 20 to parts by weight sodium hydroxid and 3 garts corn starch, both ingredients being 1n ry condition. About 100 parts of water are required for proper gelatmization of this.

composition. Other caustic alkalies may of as course be used, and many materials gelatinizable by the solution of the alkali employed may be substituted for com-starch. Such are, for example, wheat flour and other cereal substances.

lo Substantially (pure water ma be-added when it is desire to gelatinize t e composition, or aaltfieous liquids, for example solutions of H, may be employed.

ew York, have invented certain new and Application filed September 6, 1922. -Seria1 No, 586,526.

tected by admixture with a small amount of etroleum oil, by Wrapping in moistureexc uding material, or by other suitable means.

The dry electrolyte composition of my invention is inert and cells containing it therefore remain in their original condition until activating liquid is added. .Further advantages of the invention resides in the ease of handling the cells in dry condition and their' low shipping weight.

Various modifications of the specific procedure described herein may be made without sacrificing the advantages referred to, or departing from the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A composition for use in preparing electrolyte, comprising a mixture of dry caustic alkali and a material adapted to gelatinize upon addition of water to the composition.

2. A composition for use in preparing electrol te,- comprising dry caustic alkali and a ry cerea substance in intimate admixture therewith.

3. A composition for use in (preparing electrolyte, comprising dry so ium hydroxid and starch in intimate admixture therewith.

4. Process of preparing electrolyte, comprising forming a mixture of caustic alkali and a material gelatinizable b alkali solumixture in amount su cient to produce a gelatinous mass.

5. The invention according to claim 4, in which the alkali and gelatinizable material are ground together until a finely divided, homogeneous mixture is produced.

In testimony whereof, I aflix my signature.

GEORGE W. EISE.

tion, and adding an a ueous iquid to the a 

